What to Do During a Tornado

Tornadoes are never a pleasant experience. These winds are destructive forces of nature, causing damage wherever they go. About 1,000 tornadoes hit the United States each year, resulting in loss of life, property, infrastructure, and billions of dollars worth of money.

Tornadoes can be frightening, especially if you don’t know what to do when one occurs. There are a lot of things you can do to prepare for a tornado, but what can you do to protect yourself and your loved ones once a tornado has hit? Here are a few tips.

Run into Your Shelter

Assuming you have a storm shelter or a safe room, be it underground or above-ground, run to it immediately. Your shelter must be pre-loaded with all the necessities to last you a couple of days at least. Shelter or safe rooms are specifically designed to withstand tornadoes and keep you safe.

If You Don’t Have a Shelter

Close the Windows and Move Away from Them

During a tornado, try to remain away from windows, and if you are in a room with windows, close them tightly. During a storm, opening your windows might cause damage to your home and allow dirt and debris to enter.

Don’t Try to Outrun the Tornado

Tornadoes can move at a speed of up to 60 miles per hour, making them difficult to outrun. So, if you’re driving when a tornado strikes, you’re likely to be hurt or killed. Instead, look for a safe spot to seek refuge. This will help you stay safe and avoid injury.

Don’t Step Outside

While it may be tempting to see or take a picture of a tornado, doing so can be extremely risky. Tornado debris can readily become airborne, causing injury or death to those who are exposed to it. If you notice a tornado approaching, take cover immediately.

Some people may attempt to help others outdoors, although this can be quite risky. Stay inside if you are in a tornado-affected area and wait for orders from emergency authorities.

Avoid Using Candles

Using candles during a tornado-related power loss might be extremely risky. It’s possible that if the candle is tipped over, it will start a fire. Instead, see in the dark with battery-operated flashlights.

If a tornado warning is issued for your area, these are the few things you should do and what you should avoid doing. If you have an above-ground storm shelter in your home, please take shelter there. If you don’t have an above-ground safe room or a tornado shelter room, contact us today to get a shelter for your home. We offer safe rooms in multiple cities in Texas, including Dallas, Arlington, Plano, and others.